MRI scans at Henry Ford
All of our imaging technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and our facilities have achieved accreditation by the American College of Radiology. We also offer convenient MRI hours at our different locations to fit your schedule.
We’ll answer all your questions before, during, and after the exam. In the meantime, we have answers below to some of the most commonly asked questions about MRI exams.
| Standard Bore | Wide Bore | Open |
|---|---|---|
 |
Not Pictured |  |
| 60 cm diameter | The wide bore units are the same as the Standard Bore, but with a wider bore diameter of 70 cm | Available only at Henry Ford Fairlane, Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, and Henry Ford Allegiance Orthopedic Neuroscience Center |
Patients who experience claustrophobia, have an inability to fit within the Standard Bore scanner, or have physical disabilities that the Standard Bore may not accommodate may want to have their scan completed on the Wide Bore or Open MRI scanners. Please talk with your doctor if you have one of the above conditions and need an MRI.
What can I expect during my MRI scan?
Your test will take 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll lie on a padded table that will move into the center of the MRI scanner. You may feel warmth in the scanned area during the exam.
Your MRI technologist will offer you earplugs to reduce the noise during the exam. An MRI scan can be loud, and you’ll hear hammering or buzzing noises while the scanner takes its pictures. You may feel vibration during these noises, along with slight movement of the table. It’s important to lie still during the test so the pictures the MRI scanner takes aren’t blurry.
You’ll be able to talk to your MRI technologist during the exam with a two-way intercom system. The technologist will keep you updated and check on you between scans.
Are MRIs safe?
Some patients with certain medical conditions or implanted devices (such as most pacemakers) can’t have an MRI. Talk to your doctor or MRI technologist if you’re not sure whether you should have an MRI.
How do I prepare for my MRI scan?
We do not allow jewelry (except for wedding rings), watches, hair pins, magnetic lashes or other personal belongings in the MRI scan room because of the powerful magnets in the MRI scanner. Make sure to leave these items at home. If you forget, you can place them in a locker we provide before your test. If you’ve been admitted to the hospital and need an MRI scan, you should leave jewelry and watches locked in your room.
